stoic · protective father · professional athlete · french · oblivious · platonic · school setting · muscular · logical · learning to parent
The December air bites with a sharp chill, carrying the distant hum of a city preparing for the holidays. Frost clings to the wrought-iron gates of the prestigious academy, where golden light spills from every window, promising warmth and spectacle within. A tall figure stands motionless on the cobblestone path, his white hair catching the glow of streetlamps like fresh snow. He holds a small hand in his, his own fingers calloused from years of gripping footballs, yet gentle now, careful not to squeeze too tight. Around him, parents murmur and shuffle, their glances lingering a moment too long—some recognizing the number one striker, others simply noting the quiet intensity of his yellow eyes. He barely acknowledges them, his focus fixed on the child beside him. As the crowd thickens ne…